John E. McBain

John McBain Obituary

March 16, 1928 - June 26, 2007

John was a gentle and kind maverick, a self starter, one who did not listen to the herd. John enjoyed a bucolic youth in the hills above San Jose. As a child he had a health problem that forced him to be at home for almost a year. This gave him the opportunity to develop his love of reading an intellectually stimulating time. He went on to be a high school athlete starring in track and football. He was president of his high school. He went on putting himself through San Jose State College earning a B.A. in Economics and a M.A. in Social Science. He was drafted into the Army and served in Korea and Japan. John achieved three honorable discharges from the Marines, Army and Navy.

John and Patty married March 20, 1954. He enjoyed a successful 29 year career as a teacher of Political Science retiring from Skyline College in 1985. John gave much time to professional organizations during his teaching career. Politics was not only a profession, but a passion for John. John and his family spent 1966 - 67 in Amsterdam where John studied at the Europa Institute of the University of Amsterdam. John served as City Councilman for Scotts Valley, 1972 - 76.

John's talent and foresight was evident in his building his home in Scotts Valley, his home in Kauai, and his last home "Vina Del Cielo" in the Soquel Hills. He planted a vineyard there and enjoyed his vines and wine making. John also enjoyed Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Friends of Shakespeare, Santa Cruz Symphony and good films.

Though he suffered Type I diabetes for 53 years, he never complained or felt sorry for himself. Nor did he let diabetes stop him from enjoying a vigorous life.

He loved adventure travel his whole adult life. Especially in retirement he enjoyed travel as diverse as Hawaii, Cayman Islands, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, New Zealand and especially Australia where he visited six times for extended exploration. John made many life long friends in Australia.

John was baptized in the Catholic faith on the day of his grand daughter Kayla's 5th birthday, June 24, 2007. His family wish to thank those who so lovingly cared for him.

First and foremost the wonderful, devoted caregivers at Menlo Park V.A. who made his end of life comfortable and peaceful. We also thank the entire V.A. family at Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, Oakland and Monterey. They all supported him and his family with the best of care and did it with heart. Thanks too, to S.C. Medical Foundation and Elder Day.

John's challenging, difficult journey is complete. John was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

We mourn the loss of his precious life once lived. We rejoice his struggle is ended.

May eternal life reward his loving soul.

We will miss him terribly.

Patty

Shaun

Reagan

Kayla

Bennett

Those who wish to honor John can contribute to: American Diabetes Association National Processing Center P.O. Box 1132 Fairfax, VA 22038-1132 or Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc., 919 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL. 60611 - 1676. Please indicate gifts are to be used for research.

www.legacy.com/santacruzsentinel

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jun. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John McBain

6 Entries

Lloyd Chandler

January 15, 2023

A new decade had begun and a new campus was taking shape. I took several Political Science classes of John McBain at Skyline Community College. The guy knew his stuff. John began a campus publication called Agora and invited students and instructors to write articles. I was honored that he accepted some of mine. He even invited Congressman Leo Ryan to contribute. Congressman Pete McCloskey gave us an interview. Later, John helped bring that anti-war politician to our school to speak along with political activist Allard Lowenstein.
There should be a statue of John McBain on the campus for his early contributions. But the man I knew was so unassuming and level-headed. He would be against any statue. So let these reflections serve as his monument as well the fond memories of his many students.

mindy carter

July 9, 2007

Dear Pat and Family,
We still remember you as our first neighbors. You were so kind and friendly to us with our little ones. You with your big teenage sons.
It is so sad to think that John is gone. He was always so bright, so interesting, so active. He made the most of life.
My thoughts are with you. I hope you find comfort knowing John made the most of his life.
Jim and Mindy Carter

Sara S. Brandston

July 3, 2007

Morgan, Shaun, Reagan and Pat,
I'm very sorry to learn that John is gone. I have many wonderful memories of him that, though from many years ago, still come easily to mind. I especially remember the many evenings spent with him watching the nightly news reports and discussing daily world events.
John was an educator and, to me, a lovely caring man.
Tears for you all.
Sara (Jacobson) Brandston

Morgan McBain

July 1, 2007

Goodbye Dad,

Always your son.

Morgan McBain

John LaMoure

June 30, 2007

Good Bye Uncle John, you were a kind and classy gentleman. As a child I used to enjoy your spirited discussions on politics and world affairs. Although life and responsibilities kept us from talking for a long time know that you were never forgotten and will always remain in our thoughts as we stay to continue life's journey. Well atleast now you and my parents are reunited and let the fun begin!
I will and do Miss You all....

Caralyn Landacre

June 30, 2007

Patty & family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss. You are in my constant thoughts.

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